COUNCIL leader Tony McDermott is intending to quiz the chief constable about the manner in which the mayor of Halton was arrested.

It is understood 73-year-old Pat Tyrrell was caught up in an early-morning raid when plain-clothes police officers swooped on his property last Tuesday.

Seventy-three-year-old Cllr Tyrrell was arrested at his home in Caernarvon Close, Runcorn, on suspicion of electoral fraud surrounding the local and European elections in June.

He was questioned at his home before being taken to Warrington police station, where he allegedly spent 11 hours without his nebuliser machine, which is used to treat asthma.

Cllr McDermott is said to be unhappy about the handling of the arrest, but refused to disclose details.

He said: 'I will be talking to the chief constable, Peter Fahy, next week.

'We will be discussing a number of different issues, as we usually do, but I will also be asking about this matter - without getting involved myself in the police investigation.

'I will be asking about the nature in which the arrest was handled, but I can't go into detail beyond that.'

In a formal statement supporting the mayor, Cllr McDermott said: 'I must express surprise at the way in which the police dealt with our first citizen, but I am sure that Pat will come through this without any blemish on his well-deserved reputation.'

The police investigation is believed to relate to personation, an offence under the Local Elections (Pilots) Act 2004, which involves filling in ballot forms in the absence of the voter.

Cllr Tyrrell's 45-year-old daughter, from Runcorn, was also arrested and interviewed on suspicion of forgery.

They have both been released on police bail until Tuesday, October 19, pending further enquiries.

MPs Mike Hall and Derek Twigg are united in their praise of Cllr Tyrrell's dedication and commitment to Halton residents.

Mr Hall, who has been closely associated with Cllr Tyrrell in the political field since 1979, has pledged his full support to the grandfather and father-of-four.

Mr Hall said: 'I have known Pat Tyrrell a long, long time and he is a fantastic councillor.

'He is 110% honest as the day is long and I am happy to support him in any way I possibly can.

'I intend to stand by this friend of mine, whom I have known for the best part of 25 years.'

Also describing Cllr Tyrrell as a 'close friend', Halton MP Derek Twigg reflected on how damaging the allegations are likely to be to his family.

'Pat's been a first-class councillor and I've known him for a long time,' he said.

'It's very upsetting for him and his family.

'He's got a good reputation; he is someone who is an absolute credit to the community.

'I've known him and worked with him for 24 years and he's got a lovely family.'

He added: 'I hope it can get resolved as it's obviously very confusing.'